Anslem Samuel Rocque

Complex • 23rd October 2018

The Best Hip-Hop Producer Alive, Every Year Since 1979

Great production can make even the most objectionable or cheesy lyrics sound great. The producers who create these beats may not be as glamorous as the rappers who spit over them (at least, most of the time), but they are equally important. Here are the best to ever do it.

Complex.com • 5th September 2018

A Decade of Defiance: A Look Back at Beats by Dr. Dre's First 10 Years

It's been 10 years since Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine decided to change the headphone game forever with the launch of Beats By Dr. Dre. Here's an interactive timeline of some of the brand's biggest milestone over the past decade.

Complex • 30th July 2018

Engineering The Ultimate Rap Superteam Every Decade - 1980s to Present

Forget who's the GOAT, let's see who would make the greatest five-man lineup of all time.

XXL • 6th December 2010

Still D.R.E.: Mac Dre Tribute - XXL

Five years after his murder, West Coast rap legend Mac Dre is still making people go dumb, while inspiring other artists to succeed independently.

XXL • 2nd November 2009

FEATURE: Charlamagne Tha God, 'I’m Good'

After being fired from his post following a controversial interview with Beanie Sigel, Charlamagne Tha God breaks his silence to discuss what really happened and what he has planned for the future.

XXL • 2nd November 2009

Back For the First Time: Raekwon Profile - XXL

After constant delays and an extended hiatus, Wu-Tang's master storyteller Raekwon finally returns with the sequel to his classic debut, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... The question remains, though: Will hip-hop heads finally let him live?

2nd November 2009

Me N' My: Clipse Profile - XXL

With a cultlike fanbase waiting a patient three years for the lyrically inclined yet drama-plagued brothers' third album, The Clipse are finally putting the finishing touches on their project and possibly putting the chaos behind them.

XXL • 4th May 2009

Encore: Bun B/UGK Profile - XXL

A year and a half after his partner and friend Pimp C died, Bun B is back to bless hip-hop fans with one last album for the mighty, mighty UGK.

XXL • 6th April 2009

The Making of Nas' 'Illmatic' - XXL

In Spring 1994, a chip-toothed kid outta Queensbridge released a 10-song debut album that set a new standard for hip-hop lyricism. Fifteen years later, XXL takes a trip down memory lane to get an in-depth look at the making of a classic. It's Illmatic.

XXL • 5th May 2008

The Making of DMX's "It's Dark & Hell Is Hot" - XXL

Ten years ago, in the wake of the deaths of Biggie and 'Pac, hip-hop was sounding a little timid. Then a rabid rapper came out of Yonkers with a bark that put the bite back where it belonged. On the decade anniversary of its release, XXL presents an inside look at the creation of DMX's debut.

XXL • 5th May 2008

Turf Drop: G-Unit Cover Story - XXL

The rise was meteoric. The fall was inevitable. Last year, amid dwindling sales and internal dissension, chinks finally started to show in G-Unit's platinum armor. Now, pulling together and going back to basics, 50 and his crew set to work on digging themselves out of a hole. And digging a new hole, to bury the competition.

XXL • 7th January 2008

Stay Around: Ja Rule Profile - XXL

It's been a rough five years, but the most famous casualty of the 21st-century rap game is putting his troubles behind him and and getting back to work. Don't bury Ja Rule. He ain't dead yet.

XXL • 2nd July 2007

Get Low: Slim Thug Profile - XXL

How's Slim Thug gonna make good on his early glory?

Scratch Magazine • 2nd July 2007

Best Thang Smokin': Lil Wayne Cover Story - Scratch Magazine

Lil Wayne answers rumors about playing the guitar, remaking an OutKast classic, and why Tha Carter 3 won't drop until 2008.

XXL • 2nd April 2007

Money In the Bank: Lil Wayne Cover Story - XXL

He went from not mentioned at all to top 10. In fact, he's claiming the No. 1 spot, and we're not here to argue. But, damn, how did Lil Wayne get so good?

XXL • 1st June 2006

Support Your Own Supple: B.G. Profile - XXL

Eleven years deep in the game, four years free of Cash Money, and three years clean, B.G. has learned a lot of lessons the hard way. With his lawsuit against his former employers finally started, and some good-looking prospects on the business front, the New Orleans rapper-cum-CEO is looking out for numero uno.

XXL • 2nd January 2006

What I Represent: AZ Profile - XXL

Eleven years ago, AZ earned himself number-one-draft-pick status and a record deal with a single verse. Since then, his career has been a fluctuating journey with more lows than highs. More focused than ever he's now ready to change his course.

XXL • 5th December 2005

They Don't Know: Remy Ma Profile - XXL

It's been six long years since the Terror Squad's femme fatale first flowed ferocious. Now, with her solo album finally on the way, Remy Ma is stepping out from behind the extra large shadows of Fat Joe and the late Big Pun to make moves on her own.

XXL • 5th August 2005

Talking That Talk: Freeway Profile - XXL

He made a hot debut album, but folks slept on the Philly cat with the unique rap. Beanie's man Freeway is back to clear the rumors and grab more consumers. Early!

XXL Presents: Shade 45 • 5th July 2005

I Don't Need 'Em: D12 Profile - Shade 45

D12 has sold more than 4 million albums since they first broke nationally but have been overshadowed by Eminem, the only group member to achieve solo success. Now the rest of D12 is ready to break out and get their careers in gear.